What are some of the best foods to eat to improve the quality of your skin?

Dry skin, acne and blotchy skin tones often send men and women running for the tanning bed, expensive face creams and hydrocortisone treatments. However, food may be the best remedy for achieving skin that turns heads, renews your beauty and inspires inner confidence. From raw chlorophyll packed goodies to fungi, food can give you a low-cost, all-natural skin makeover.

Raw Smoothies

While blending up raw fruit and vegetables for a morning tonic can give you energy and necessary vitamins, it also can improve the texture and color of your skin. Many people who take on the challenge of going raw for breakfast and lunch report more radiant skin tones, moisturized skin and tighter skin. The most common reports concern the improved skin color, with warmer undertones and a less sallow look. According to Dr. Oz’s website, the raw smoothie ingredients that improve skin the most include kale, which prevents wrinkles; coconut oil, which aids in skin cell renewal while also protecting cells from damaging sun rays without having to smooth it on externally; and avocado, which stops skin from getting red, itchy and inflamed.

Brewer’s Yeast

An anti-aging wonder containing a multitude of amino acids, minerals and vitamins, Brewer’s yeast has been shown to increase skin moisture, elasticity and hydration while reducing crow’s feet and pimples , according to a Japanese clinical study. The study also reported that those who ate Brewer’s yeast, a fungus used in fermented foods like beer, had less skin redness and smaller pores. Because the yeast increased the amount of hemoglobin in the body, the skin of users took on a deeper, more beautiful skin tone. Brewer’s yeast , a fungus, can be bought in the baking section of any supermarket and can be sprinkled on popcorn, potatoes or soups. It can also be used in bread.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a algae, packed with proteins, the complete arsenal of B vitamins and iron. It’s mega-nutrient profile makes it an awesome treat for the skin. Available in powder or tablet form, this algae is known for evening the skin tone so much that many women reduce the amount of makeup they wear in order to show off their improved skin. It can also prevent blemishes. These positive skin side effects are due to Chlorella’s excellent detoxing properties. The alga removes from the body pesticides, toxins and metals, all of which can damage skin cells and create a dull appearance. Due to its ability to improve circulation while creating a healthy environment for cells, users report improvement with skin conditions ranging from eczema to dermatitis to open wounds to acne. Pores appear smaller, wrinkles appear less noticeable and the overall effect is more youthful, tighter and healthier skin.

Maca root, which can be bought as a finely ground flour, already has a reputation for creating shapely feminine figures in women and enhancing libido in men. Now, there’s another reason to eat this superfood: it is a skin enhancer, known for mitigating acne and encouraging youthful skin. Full of proteins, Maca encourages the body to synthesize more collagen, which helps renew skin cells and enables the skin to stay taut, glowing and smooth. Because Maca also balances hormones, it can cut down on acne flare-ups that result from hormonal shifts in puberty or young adult years. Users report that acne may increase initially, but clear up after a few days of steady Maca use. To use, sprinkle one to four teaspoons of the flour on fruit or add it to a morning smoothie or juice.